MLB Playoffs: Three role players who are crucial for the Reds to advance

2. Reds shortstop Freddy Galvis offers something no other player does.

Freddy Galvis should start every game in the Reds Wild Card Series versus the Atlanta Braves. While everyone throughout Reds Country loves the bright future of José García, I’m curious if the rookie will even be on the team’s playoff roster. Galvis’ bat has come alive of late and the switch-hitting infielder can bat from both sides of the plate.

The Braves will throw left-handed Max Fried at the Reds in the first-round of the MLB Playoffs. Fried is one of the toughest southpaws in the business, and while García and Kyle Farmer have proven capable to field the position, Freddy Galvis must remain in the starting lineup throughout the Wild Card Series.

Galvis has been red-hot of late. In his last 21 plate appearances, the Cincinnati infielder is hitting .358/.500/.588 and has come up with some clutch hits. During that same seven-game span, Galvis has a home runs, three RBIs and a stolen base. Galvis needs to bring that same performance to the upcoming series in Atlanta.

Freddy Galvis has been maligned much of this season, as fans wanted to either García get more playing time or bemoaned the fact that José Iglesias was not re-signed over the winter. Hitting in the bottom of the order, Galvis brings pop to the Reds lineup from the No. 8 hole and has enough to keep opposing pitchers on their toes if he reaches base.